Jobs: Careers advice service launched

A NEW National Careers Service was launched on Thursday (April 5) to offer information and advice on learning and work.

The service combines face-to-face local advice with a new interactive website with the aim of providing information and advice for approximately 370,000 young people and 700,000 adults each year.

It will also provide tools such as a help in compiling a career resumeand a skills health check on the website to help people identify their skills strengths and gaps.

Government skills minister John Hayes said: “The National Careers Service, universally available to people at all stages of their careers, has the very best interactive tools on its website and the highest-quality advisers, committed to the noble cause of helping others fulfil their aspirations.

“Making available the right advice at the right time and in the right places is to strike a blow for social mobility, social cohesion and social justice - a society that encourages people from wherever they start to journey to the destination of their dreams.”

Model-turned-chef Lorraine Pascale, an ambassador for the service, said: “After modelling, choosing my next career move was a big decision. I knew I wanted to find something that I was really passionate about, but I tried courses in hypnotherapy, auto repair and interior design before I found the thing that really makes me tick: cooking.

“Having independent careers advice can really help you find the thing you want to do. I’d encourage everyone to make the most of the National Careers Service to find out how to take their career forward, and realise their ambitions.”

Record producer Pete Waterman added: “I know from my own experience that it’s never too late to learn a new skill.

“I learned to read and write much later in life than many people, but this opened up a whole new world for me.

“It’s one of the reasons why I’m so passionate about helping people to get the skills they need to fulfil their ambitions.”